A companion and useful guide to the beauties of Scotland

Murray, Sarah

Byways

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #1 in the Byways series introduces the Johns family and sees the brothers to the starting line. Ewan is dependable but shy. Zane has a rebel’s reputation and a lone friend. Ganix has a gift for getting into mischief and enough luck to get back out of it. All three boys have inherited their father’s magic and are Changers with an animal form. But they’ll need more than a magical quirk to reach the finish line. A coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. On Your Marks takes its cues from “The First State,” Delaware. Excerpt: Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. “There they go again,” she said. “What now?” Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. “Boys? What’s the meaning of …!” He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers. “Not in the house!” Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs, tripping him.

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins (Byways)

Children's Books

Milbrandt, C. J.

Geography & Cultures

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure (Byways)

Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #2, Aboard the Train is Ewan’s first solo adventure. Having chosen the northern route, the eldest Johns brother is bound for Liberty’s mountains. He takes the train, confident that he’ll have a quick, comfortable ride to the finish line. But when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans. The Byways books are a coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Aboard the Train takes its cues from “The Keystone State,” Pennsylvania. “I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa Morton, The Scriblerians Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge. Excerpt: (from Byways Book #2, Aboard the Train, Chapter Three: “Stowaways”) “Who’s there?” Ewan used a stern voice. Had he found another hobo? “Show yourself!” From the straw in the corner, there came a small squeak. Ewan frowned. The noise was too tiny to have come from a grown man. Maybe this wasn’t a hobo after all. He crossed to the pile and pushed aside some of the loose straw. Two pairs of frightened eyes stared up at him. “Children?” he gasped.

Literature & Fiction

Ewan’s plans fall apart when he stumbles across two stowaways. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #2, Aboard the Train is Ewan’s first solo adventure. Having chosen the northern route, the eldest Johns brother is bound for Liberty’s mountains. He takes the train, confident that he’ll have a quick, comfortable ride to the finish line. But when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans. The Byways books are a coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Aboard the Train takes its cues from “The Keystone State,” Pennsylvania. “I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa Morton, The Scriblerians Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. 
Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.
Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. 
Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.
Excerpt: 
“There’s our rising star!”
The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.
“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.
Keech added, “Big smile.”
Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.
“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”
“Me?” asked Ganix.
“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!”
Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure (Byways)

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. 
Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.
Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. 
Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.
Excerpt: 
“There’s our rising star!”
The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.
“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.
“Big smile,” added Keech.
Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.
“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”
“Me?” asked Ganix.
“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!”
Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Byways publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Byways

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Byways publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

A companion and useful guide to the beauties of Scotland

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins (Byways)

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure (Byways)

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins (Byways)

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure (Byways)

Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure (Byways)

Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure (Byways)